Design Thinking for School Leaders: Five Roles and Mindsets That Ignite Positive Change

Design Thinking for School Leaders was an excellent read. As educators throughout our region are considering different frames with which to lead work in their schools, the lens that Gallagher and Thordarson look through in their extremely readable text may be exactly what a building/district leader is interested in. The book explores elements of design thinking and sets the stage for a variety of necessary roles that members of a district community must take on if this work is to be successful. As I read, I found myself considering which of the roles I take on and when, and appreciated the tips and strategies shared across each role; readers will find the relationships between roles, and how they come together as part of the whole, to be a compelling part of the text, and one that works well for the book's main audience. I also enjoyed the segment that Gallagher and Thordarson put together on empathy interviews; it was clear how I might embed some of this work into my own practice. Included is a helpful appendix with tools that can be utilized immediately. Kudos on a well-written and timely text!

Schools need change. Students have changed but schools have not changed enough to meet the needs of their students. School leaders now need to embrace a learning mindset, understanding that everyone is in a state of change. Design Thinking for School Leaders provides ideas for leaders to create, support and sustain a culture of learning that will be essential to changing schools.Rulebreaking can be uncomfortable. Many leaders don’t like to have things (especially processes and old school culture) questioned. This is true in both education and industry. Many leaders in education don’t welcome those who challenge their received wisdom. The authors of Design Thinking for School Leaders provide both a rationale for questioning rules and a simple process that helps you understand which rules to question. Small, intentional changes. Excellent read for any one interested in making meaningful changes in our schools.

As a principal and an elected school board member, I found this book to be what is needed in our educational system right now. We need to challenge the norms of our educational system to help all of our students. Traditional leadership has constrained our educational system for decades and only with this type of thinking, design thinking, can we make a change that will truly be a positive shift in our educational system. What I appreciated the most about the authors are their hands-on approach for all of us to embrace. Their 5 roles help us define the work of all educational leaders today! This book was an inspiration for the work I do in education! It's a must read for any educational leader today!

This book does an amazing job synthesizing the principles of effective leadership and design thinking while incorporating real-world examples and practical guides to help you apply those principles. Highly recommended for anyone who thinks of themself as a leader in their school and is interested in taking an active role in its transformation.

The more educational leaders whose leadership is informed by design thinking the better schools and districts will get. Are you and education leader? Read this. It will change the way you do things. Already into design thinking? Read it anyway, it’ll help you tighten up your game.

For any educator, administrator, parent who is passionate about making a difference in the education of our children.An inspirational book with many innovative, tried approaches; including reference guides in the appendix.

I would definitely use Design Learning in our school. It help me to clarify my path as a leader of change.

Talk practical tools for teachers and admin. Appreciated the connection to innovation and design beyond the classroom!

Excelente